Oranje coach says he was careful with winger's injury

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Holland manager Bert van Marwijk has refuted claims that he is to blame for Arjen Robben's recent injury setback.

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The 26-year-old Dutch star, who plies his trade for German side Bayern Munich, has been dealt a blow with the news that he could be out for the rest of the year as he looks to overcome a thigh injury.

Robben picked up the knock while playing for Holland in a World Cup warm-up game in June, but after sitting out the Oranje's first two games in the competition, he played a major part in his side's march to the final.

Bayern feel aggrieved that the winger now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and club president Karl Heinz Rummenigge has this week called for compensation from the Dutch football federation.

However, Holland coach Van Marwijk claims he was 'very careful' with Robben's injury and denies any wrongdoing.

He said: "I've heard that Arjen could be out for a long time. That's a tough blow for him. I am there to support him in this difficult period.

"I can't comment on the injury, all I can say is that (at the World Cup) we were very careful with him. It's a big mystery what's happened to him."

Robben suffered the left thigh injury in a friendly match before leaving for South Africa, a 6-1 win over Hungary in Amsterdam.